EU seeks end to escalating license plate tension between Serbia, Kosovo

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – President of the EU Commission Thursday said she is confident that a solution will be found to a dispute between Kosovo and Serbia over license plates.

Addressing a joint news conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Ursula Von der Leyen said that it is possible to end the crisis between the two sides.

Last week, tensions flared along the Serbia-Kosovo border over which license plates Serbian vehicles entering Kosovo should use. The conflict turned violent, forcing the deployment of army and police troops on the scene.

Von der Leyen, who visited the countries of the region before the EU-Western Balkan Summit to be hosted by Slovenia, also attended the initial phase of the Nis-Brestovac railway improvement works in Nis, Serbia.

“I am confident that a sustainable and friendly solution will be found. We are all concerned about the current situation,” said Von der Leyen.

Calling for an amicable solution, she said strong relations should be established in the Western Balkans.

Vucic said Serbia strictly complies with all agreements signed with Kosovo, adding: “I am extremely pleased with the balanced approach of the EU. Von der Leyen emphasized the importance of easing tensions and returning to the dialogue process.”

She is currently on a three-day visit to the Western Balkans.

- Dispute

The dispute started on Sept. 20 after Kosovo did not allow vehicles with Serbian license plates to enter its territory.

Vehicles with Serbian license plates were required to display temporary Kosovar plates to enter the country.

The temporary license plates were placed on the windshields and rear windows of the vehicles, while the real license plates were covered.

Under the new regulation, motorists with Serbian plates must replace them with 60-day temporary Kosovo plates.

Opposing the decision, Kosovo Serbs blocked the roads leading to the Jarinje and Bernjak border gates, escalating the ongoing tension in the region.

Kosovo deployed its special police units to the border while Serbia flew its military planes and moved tanks to show strength.

The European Union and NATO also urged both sides to de-escalate the situation through talks.

The former Serbian province of Kosovo declared independence in February 2008. However, Belgrade, still claims Kosovo as a breakaway province.